Report: Pats Lose Jones for a Month

New England already lost linebacker Jerod Mayo for the season

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 14: Chandler Jones #95 and Chris Jones #94 of the New England Patriots attempt to sack Matt Cassel #16 of the Minnesota Vikings on September 14, 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

The Patriots lost another key member of their defense this week when defensive end Chandler Jones suffered a hip injury that will keep him sidelined for a month, according to a report from the Boston Globe. The news comes after New England lost linebacker Jerod Mayo for the season earlier this month.

More details via ESPN.com's Mike Reiss.

Rookie defensive lineman Dominique Easley, the Patriots' top pick from the 2014 draft who has battled shoulder and knee injuries this season, projects as a potential fill-in for Jones.

Another player on the roster who could see increased time in Jones' absence is rookie defensive end Zach Moore, a sixth-round pick out of Concordia- St. Paul. Moore is considered a long-term project player with high upside.

The Globe reports that the Pats are expected to sign defensive lineman Alan Branch, who previously played seven seasons for the Bills.

New England currently leads the AFC East with a 5-2 record, and faces Chicago this Sunday.